Kenneth Rupert Smith Jr.

Smith, Kenneth Rupert Jr., MD

September 23, 1932 - May 16, 2024, died peacefully at home on May 16, 2024, at age 91. Dr. Smith was born in Greenville, IL, on September 23, 1932, the eldest of six of Kenneth Rupert Smith and Jocelyn

Genevieve Smith (nee Ulmet). He attended public schools and graduated valedictorian of

Greenville High School in 1950.

Dr. Smith attended Greenville College from 1950 to 1953, then accepted a full scholarship at Washington University School of Medicine, graduating with his MD 1957. Next, he served a year residency at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, and residencies in surgery and neurosurgery at Barnes Hospital, under Dr. Henry Schwartz. He had two fellowships in neuroanatomy at Washington U. and Oxford University, England.

In 1966, he became Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at Saint Louis University Hospital, establishing that new department. He retired as Chairman of Neurosurgery in 2002, and from surgery in 2004. Over his career he taught as Professor of Neurosurgery, published numerous research papers, and trained over 40 residents. He held leadership roles in organizations including as President of The Society of Neurological Surgeons (1995-96), President of the Society of University Neurosurgeons (1986), and served there as Historian until his death. He was President of the St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society, and many more. In 2002, he established the KRSmith Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery at Saint Louis University.

Kenneth was a lifelong advocate for the needs of the poor, traveling Missouri and Illinois to treat patients in free clinics until his death. He made 4 trips to Nairobi with a medical team performing free surgeries, and helped established neurosurgery residency programs in 5 East African countries. For many years he corresponded with and visited prisoners at FCI Greenville, IL.

Beyond his immeasurable contribution to Neurosurgery, Dr. Smith's other devotion was to his family. He was married to Marjorie Ruth Sandin from June 6, 1956, until his death. Together, they opened their home to countless friends and relatives, served on numerous charitable boards, and traveled extensively for work, leisure, and learning. He was passionate about classical music and hosted recitals and chamber concerts in his home. He served on the board of the Sheldon Concert Hall, and supported The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and many St. Louis music organizations. He was a member of Second Presbyterian Church of St. Louis.

Marjorie and Kenneth have 7 children: Sue Kennedy, Sally Smith, Kenneth R. Smith III, (Pamela Bruns), Nancy Smith (Greta Masters), Carol Houghton (Eric), Joanne Clark (1964-1991), and Patricia Watwood (Duncan); 12 grandchildren: Corey (Nate) Kennedy, Ryan Kennedy, Megan Stull, Sara Milligan, Patrick Milligan, David Bruns-Smith, Alexandra Bruns-Smith, Kathryn Houghton, Matthew Houghton, Natalie Houghton, Beaux Watwood and Jonah Watwood; 9 great-grandchildren: Marjorie Kennedy, Avery Kennedy, Miles Kennedy, James (Teddy) Stull, Elliot Stull, Julian Ferrari, Juniper Bihl, Kerrigan Hall, and Oliver Houghton.

Dr. Smith was a giant in his field of work as well as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by the thousands of people he helped, cared for, mentored, and loved. The family is planning a memorial concert to honor him this September. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is dedicating their fall performance of Mozart's Requiem to his memory, November 9 - 10, 2024.